Economics will help you understand the decisions you make based on the limited time, resources and money you have. Not only will you learn how to invest money, rather than just save it, but you’ll also be given a chance to apply your knowledge by selecting stocks and competing against others in a challenging stock market competition. A field trip to the TSE and Eaton Centre will also give you a chance to experience real world markets in action! You will also get to participate in a simulation that challenges your negotiating skills as a manager or union leader during a strike. Learning how to complete a tax return will give you the added benefit and knowledge that Revenue Canada may owe you money! Finally, since we live in the age of the Internet, some activities will be geared to using the course web site for research and study.
Course Description:
As a worker, owner, manager, consumer, or voter, every student is likely to be affected by economic decisions. Economics at the advanced and general levels of difficulty will help students develop a perspective on economic theory, principles, institutions and issues while helping them make effective decisions both in the marketplace and at the ballot box. This senior division course is appropriate for students who are interested in further study in an economic field or in business. There is no prerequisite for this course.
Units of Study |
| 1. Introduction to Economics – Market & Command Economies |
| 2. Microeconomics – Demand, Supply and Competition |
| 3. Business Organization and Finance – Stock Market |
| 4. The Labour Market – Unions |
| 5. Government in the Economy / Macroeconomics |
| 6. Economic Applications (throughout course) |
Student Evaluation |
|
Evaluation Category |
Weight |
Assignments and Quizzes |
20% |
| In-class Tests | 20% |
| Economic Issues Project (Term 1) | 10% |
Independent Project (Term 2) |
15% |
Participation |
10% |
Field Trip Assignment |
5% |
Final Exam |
20% |
Total: |
100% |
Reporting of Marks
Students who wish to know their mark during the course may request the opportunity to view their mark by appointment. Remember, calculation of the mark is based on a whole weight system, not a term weighted approach. This means that the mark is based on an on-going assessment throughout the course. Therefore, the term 1 report card mark is based on all assignments, tests, quizzes and independent projects done within each of the evaluation categories covered up to the date when marks must be submitted to the main office.
Attendance \ Late Policy
Regular attendance and punctuality are absolutely vital to success in this course. Students who are legitimately absent should have a note or admit slip when returning to class. Students who do not produce a suitable note or have a valid reason for an absence will be considered to be skippers.
Quiz \ Test Policy
You are expected to be present to write all quizzes and tests. In the case of legitimate absences, it is your responsibility to make arrangements with me to write the quiz or test when returning to class. If you do not accept this responsibility, I will assume you wish to receive a mark of zero.
Policy Regarding Submittal of Late Assignments
A late penalty of 10% per day will be applied to assignments handed in beyond the set due date. Late assignments will not be accepted if handed in more than three days beyond the set due date. Exceptions to the late policy will only be granted if an accompanying medical certificate is produced or extenuating circumstances have arisen which warrant further consideration.
Course Web site
(http://www.members.tripod.com/messere) & Extra Help for StudentsThe course website is bookmarked on the computers at Victoria Park’s Information Centre or may be accessed from home at
http://www.members.tripod.com/messere. You should familiarize yourself with the site as many useful research and study tools are available. Also, several links to on-line tests and quizzes are included to provide practice and review of the economic concepts and ideas covered throughout the course. Any student requiring assistance may also arrange for a mutually acceptable appointment. I can be found in the History Office on the 3’rd floor or contacted at pmessere@yahoo.com. Please note that while I check my e-mail regularly, I do not check it on a daily basis. In-class contact should be your first and best way to reach me.Course Text
Students will be assigned a text book marked by an identification number. If the assigned text is lost they will be responsible for the replacement cost: $50.00.
J. Thexton, Made in Canada: Economics For Canadians, 3’rd ed, Toronto: Oxford University Press, 1996.
Supplemental readings consisting of recent newspaper and magazine articles will also be used throughout the course.
